711.94114A/6–2744: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 27—11 p.m.]
4097. American Interests, Japanese Occupied Manchuria. Foreign Office note June 23 states Gorgé inquired of Japanese Foreign Office regarding report contained Department’s 3279, December 30,67 was informed interned American POWs detained Manchuria camp condemned to death. Japanese Government referred to Japanese attitude regarding application Geneva Convention set forth enclosure Legation’s airmail 8150, May 10.
Following three POWs executed listed DM/3, DM/6 and DM/7 (see Legation’s A–40, January 2467): (1) Jo Bill Bastain (listed as Chastain), Sergeant; (2) Ferdinand F. Meringold (listed as Meringolo), Staff Sergeant; (3) Victor Palliotti, Corporal.
Japanese Foreign Office stated three prisoners prepared long time their escape. Bastain had already endeavored escape twice and had stolen kitchen knife and Meringold a dagger. Night of June 21, 1943 interned POWs escaped camp cutting through barbed wire and fled direction Russia. July 2 they accosted police inspector endeavoring obtain food and stating they were starved. Inspector questioned them and they endeavored pass as German aviators explaining their plane crashed. Inspector and two Mongols went with them to scene of accident. Enroute Bastain killed inspector with kitchen knife while Meringold seriously wounded one Mongol. Other fled and succeeded arresting escapees with aid local inhabitants. Three prisoners condemned death July 31, 1943 basis following: (1) confession of each prisoner before military court; (2) report of arrest; (3) report of court session; (4) reports of witnesses; (5) declarations of chief of work office of prisoners; (6) report on autopsy body police inspector and medical certificate regarding wounded Mongol.
Among evidence were dagger, map Manchuria and compass. Foregoing documents communicated Swiss Legation which will forward them by mail with copy of Japanese Foreign Office report.68